It's almost August!
We are about halfway through the summer and right around this time you might be thinking about taking a vacation!
If you are going to take a vacation, then you need to know how to talk about your plans in English with your American friends and colleagues.
I created this article to help you with that challenge!
Keep reading for easy phrases that you can use to talk about your upcoming vacation!
British versus American English: Confusing Differences
In British English: Holiday= time spent away from work or school (they don't use the word vacation). "To go on holiday" means to take a break from work and perhaps travel somewhere.
- In American English: Holiday= a special day such as Thanksgiving, Christmas or the Fourth of July. Vacation= time spent away from work or school
Question #1: Where are you going? (stating your intention)
"We're thinking about exploring some national parks out West" ("out west" means the American West- states like Colorado, Nevada, Arizona)
- "We are headed to Florida for some time at the beach."
- "We're going to go camping in upstate New York."
- We're planning to check out Washington DC because we've never been there."
- "I'm hoping to rent a car and do a cross-country roadtrip."
Question # 2: What are you going to do? (action verbs)
Explore a new state- Visit some museums
- Sample the food at a famous restaurant
- Hang out at home
- Escape to a beautiful beach
- Catch a plane to Europe
- Break up my routine and sleep late every morning
- Kick back at the beach
- Indulge in good food and wine
Question # 3: When are you coming back?
"I'll be back by August 15th."
- "I should be back in a few weeks."
- "We expect to come back on the 23rd of August."
- "We're planning to be back in time for work on Monday."
- "We're going to catch a flight home on Sunday evening."
- "I'll be home in 17 days."
I hope this article will help you explain your vacation plans to your American colleagues in English! Enjoy your August vacation if you are planning to take one!
Photo credits: merfam, ell brown, braveheartsports, cliff1066, rcbodden, Vladmimir Yaitskiy,
